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Self-Storage Supplier Spotlight: Accent Building Restoration Inc.

ABR offers a 24-hour turnaround on many services to allow uninterrupted operation of a facility. For example, if a door is off track, the company can fix it within 24 hours to minimize security risks and tenant disruption. “It’s often more cost-effective than having an on-staff maintenance person,” Fawcett says.

While many maintenance-type companies hire subcontractors, all of ABR’s techs are on-staff trained personnel. “Rather than being a phone operation that has a rolodex of subcontractors from different markets, each with varying degrees of experience and specialty traits, we train our people to be familiar with the specific needs of the self-storage industry,” Fawcett says.

This gives the company control over when the work is completed and ensures a consistent quality of workmanship. “We’re not trying to subcontract to the cheapest person available or to someone who’s never done a certain type of repair—sending a handyman out hoping he can fix something,” Fawcett says.

It also allows ABR to develop relationships with property owners. “They see the same maintenance person coming out time and time again, and develop a relationship,” Fawcett explains. “We keep a portfolio and detailed description of each property on file so we know exactly what equipment is on the property and when the last time services were completed.”

Employee training has been a huge part of the company’s success. ABR brings branch managers from around the country to the company’s headquarters for ongoing training. It also sends employees to train with vendors to be certified on a variety of products and equipment.

ABR has experienced steady growth over the last decade, adding one to two branches a year. More satellite offices are on the horizon, and the company is continually adding services to its portfolio. In 2009, ABR began concentrating on the repair of gates and security systems.

“We really started out as a painting contractor but have developed into a full-service cosmetic restoration company,” Fawcett says. “Our motto is ‘more services from one source’ to help make life simple.”